Muskies 101

The ability of future generations to enjoy species of fish like the muskellunge is based in part, on catch and release fishing today. The quality of the fishery depends on how carefully anglers release their fish. Over the years, a series of generally accepted handling procedures and suggestions have been developed by the catch and release community.

Keep your landing area ready. Keep the floor of your boat clear of clutter and keep loose hooks and lures in a tackle box, not on the floor or seat. This will help to avoid many potential accidents as well as give you plenty of room to land that trophy fish!

The Catch

Net the muskie head first into a large coated net

Keep the muskie in the net until you get the hooks removed

Cut hooks if required and remove cut portions from muskie

If you’re taking a picture, get yourself and the boat organized to minimize the time the fish is out of the water.

Vertical Holds

Never lift a muskie vertically by its jaw. This has the potential of causing severe injury to the fish especially if it’s a big one.

When lifting a muskie for a photo or any other reason, always do so horizontally using your other hand to support it under its belly. Also, never ever hold any fish by its eye sockets. This definitely causes damage to the fish.